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Families stuck at home during lockdown are being warned about a common but dangerous garden weed which can leave children - and adults - with burns and blisters.

Giant Hogweed has been dubbed Britain's most dangerous plant because of the horrific burns it inflicts on anyone who touches it - especially children - its set to thrive in the weeks ahead thanks to recent weather conditions.

The plant grows wild as well as in gardens and is becoming common the in the UK, but when it comes into contact with skin it causes a painful blistering rash.

The recent warm weather and plenty of rain after a mild winter has created the perfect conditions for this hazardous plant to thrive.

The hogweed looks relatively attractive and is part of the carrot family, but contains toxic chemicals.

An example of the burns to the skin that Giant Hogweed can cause (Image: Evening Gazette)

What is giant hogweed?

Giant hogweed, or Heracleum mantegazzianum, is a weed which has dangerous effects on human health.

Growing up to five metres tall, its sap contains toxic chemicals which react with light when in contact with human skin, causing blistering within 48 hours.

Effectively it prevents the skin from protecting itself from sunlight, which can lead to very bad sunburn and scarring.

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What does giant hogweed look like?

It's actually pretty and looks a bit like cow parsley. It's got green stem spotted with dark red which varies from 3–8 cm in diameter. Each dark red spot on the stem surrounds a hair, and large, coarse white hairs occur at the base of the leaf stalk.

It produces white flowers clustered in an umbrella-shaped head that is up to 80 cm in diameter across its flat top.

Colette Jones, Chairwoman of Friends of Close Park where Giant Hogweed was spotted, told The Bolton News : "Children are drawn to them because they grow so tall. They break them off to use them as sticks not realising how dangerous they are."

Giant hogweed can grow to significant heights (Image: Getty)

What are the symptoms from giant hogweed exposure?

Exposure can result in blisters, long-lasting scars, and - if it comes in contact with eyes - blindness.

The blisters will form within 48 hours - scars can last for years.

It can also cause cause long-term sunlight sensitivity in people who touch it.

Black or purplish scars may be left on your skin for years after.

What should I do if I come into contact with giant hogweed?

Medical professionals say you should cover the affected area, and wash it with soap and water.

The blisters heal very slowly and can develop into phytophotodermatitis, a type of skin rash which flares up in sunlight.

If you feel unwell or have a severe reaction you are advised to see a doctor.